Chef

ROLE PURPOSE:

The Chef is to oversee all aspects of our kitchen operations. The ideal candidate will bring culinary expertise, strong leadership, and a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences. This role involves menu development, food preparation, staff supervision, and ensuring the highest standards of quality, safety, and presentation.

 KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Support the head chef in planning, creating, and executing high-quality menus.
2. Collaborate with residents during menu planning.
3. Consult residents on the quality of food served.
4. Prepare and cook nutritious meals, considering residents’ dietary requirements.
5. Be aware of residents’ allergens.
6. Monitor for any weight loss within the home and ensure additional fortification is provided.
7. Recognise residents requiring texture-modified diets and provide suitable food that complies with the IDDSI Standard.
8. Ensure all dishes are prepared and cooked to consistent quality standards and served in a timely manner.
9. Oversee portion control, plating standards, and food presentation.
10. Manage inventory, order supplies, and control food costs without compromising quality.
11. Support in maintaining orders and stocks within set budgets.
12. Implement effective food management practices, including temperature controls and documentation.
13. Ensure all kitchen equipment is well maintained and in working order.
14. Maintain a clean, safe, and organized kitchen environment in compliance with food safety regulations.
15. Uphold the highest cleanliness standards in line with the ‘Safer Food, Better Business Guidelines.’
16. Ensure cleanliness of kitchen/hygiene is achieved and maintained.
17. Enforce the kitchen uniform policy for all staff and visitors (e.g., wearing aprons, tying back hair, using gloves, wearing non-slip shoes, refraining from eating in the kitchen, – own food or the homes, cover cuts etc).
18. Prevent unauthorised persons from entering the kitchen.
19. Oversee other staff employed to work in the kitchen and conduct regular supervisions.
20. Participate in all training organised by the home as and when required.
21. Complete all necessary paperwork daily and ensure it is neatly available for inspection.
22. Assist in maintaining the highest possible star rating from the City Council Environment Health Department.
23. Provide nutritious home-baked goods for birthdays and daily snacks (morning and afternoon).
24. Prepare suitable food for supper time once the kitchen has closed, including options for residents on modified diets.
25. Engage with residents as part of the ‘Resident of the Day’ process.
26. Support and provide food for events and activities.
27. Participate in cooking-related activities with residents.
28. Perform any other reasonable tasks as needed for the residents or home.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Must hold a current certificate in food hygiene.
• Experience in cooking for the elderly.
• To have an understanding of the dietary needs of older people.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Caring attitude.
• Mature personality.
• Physical ability to carry out tasks.
• Must demonstrate the ability to work as a team member and on own initiative.
• Demonstrate loyalty and commitment to the home.
• To be committed to equal opportunities.
• Flexible working approach to shifts.
• Be prepared to train and complete an NVQ level 2 in catering.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

• Experience of working in a residential nursing home.
• Experience of working with older people.
• Experience of working as a chef.
• Want to work to NVQ Level 2 in catering.